Saturday, June 16, 2012

5 Things A Father Brings by Martin Wiles

Series: 5 Things A Man...The saying is trite but true nevertheless: “Anyone can be a daddy, but it takes a special person to be a father.”

Fathers in the home are in short supply. Homes with several children, each by a different father, and none living in the home are rapidly increasing. Studies on the consequences of absentee fathers show children’s behavior and emotional well being are affected. But simply being in the home isn’t enough. Fathers must play an active role. Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

Fathers should bring discipline. Mothers provide it also-and must sometimes do it alone when the father doesn’t do his part, but fathers should take the lead. Parents differ in what methods are most effective, but discipline should teach respect for authority, adherence to house rules and most of all obedience to God’s standards.

By example, fathers should teach their sons how to treat women. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). Christ died for the church. Mothers are equal partners in the relationship and should be treated with respect and unconditional love.

Fathers bring support to the family. Men were once the primary “bread winners.” Though this isn’t always true presently, fathers should ensure their family’s needs are met.

God charges fathers to bring spiritual headship to the home. In single parent homes, mothers are often forced to take this role, but when both parents are present it’s the father’s responsibility to teach God’s standards to his children along with the mother’s support.

Fathers also provide male role models-especially for their sons. Through their example, fathers teach responsibility, stability, love, that it’s permissible to cry and show other emotions and that serving God isn’t just something for women because they’re weak.

If you’re a father, what do you need to bring to your family?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, enable us to be the kind of fathers You designed us to be.